David Tanis' past cookbook inspired us to make some ducky delicacies which made us eager to take a gander at his latest book: heart of the artichoke and other kitchen journeys.

After reading through this wonderful work it was difficult to decide on which recipe to start with, but the rain inspired an agoraphobic answer - something that didn't require a trip to the market.

The author wrote of a time he found himself housesitting (at a site with little in the pantry but a box of Aunt Jemima pancake mix) and the improvised supper that resulted. His adaptation required a little adaptation on our part (to avoid leaving the hutch).

We put a tablespoon of white vinegar in a cup of milk (to stand in for the buttermilk) and used shallots instead of onions but even with our modifications, the results were delicious. We ate the finished products standing by the stove, pulling them hot from the pan and tearing apart each gilded, savory frisbee one by one - our idea of a great dinner.

... where we targeted some tucker at this luxe lounge located on the waterfront. After we Embarc'ed our deros on a couple of the mafia boss worthy barstools. Our plush perch was a safe vantage point for viewing a guy who believed he was truly hysterical (and his shrinking business associates.)

A rare pork porterhouse ($27.00):

... was decked with discs of fried jalapeno rings and slices of elephant heart plums. This cut was massive enough to port the balance to our house (where we later enjoyed it in a snack of fried rice.)

Mince is manufactured in house for their Roasthouse burger ($20.00):

This double fisted deal comes with a pint of draft (we went with the Speakeasy IPA):

... and a brownie for afters:

The brioche bun was a tender, enriched roll that resisted disintegration under the juicy influence of the cow prodding. Gilding goods included whole grain mustard, aioli, bacon, corn and 'shrooms:

Vis á vis has taken zee place of NewZ and Cafe Z in Greenbrae where this vis-ophyte is taking on the not so green-braens in addition to the Marin family crowd.

The menu appears to have taken account of the terrain with familiar formulations (like burgers and chops) as well as areas of interest for less tradition-tethered tasters.

A poached, panko'ed and fried egg with an afro of fried leeks($9.00):

... sat in a nest of fried rice noodles with carrots and snap peas. The recommended pairing of the 2009 William Augustus Viognier-Marsanne ($9.00) had its vibrancy leveled by the soy ginger sauce, a Riesling might have been more our thing.

The Tacos el Primo truck in Bayview/Hunterspoint had a brisk business:

... during lunch as I rolled up for a trio of tacos ($1.50 each):

My pollo, cabeza and el pastor were scattered with cilantro, radish slices, an oniony salsa and a grilled habanero pepper. A high meat to 'tilla ratio made these tasty truck treats a fortifying feed.

A couple of regulars opened bags of Doritos, showered them with hot sauce, sealed and shook their bags and savored their sack snack as I vowed to emulate their 'rito ritual the next time I find myself in the area.

Tacos el Primo Truck
parked at the intersection of Yosemite and Jennings
San Francisco, CA
415.846.4975